Thrive and Shine

Cultivating space for organizations and agencies to flourish.

Thrive and Shine was designed to help organizations and individuals excel under any set of circumstances. Too often are we held back by our own mental limitations and the scarcity mindset that plagues so many systems. It is our belief that through effective change management, creativity, and principles of equity any individual or team can flourish.

Our Guiding Principles:

About The Founder/Creator

Sharonda Simmons has over a decade of executive leadership roles in the nonprofit sector. She has built high performing teams and created sustainable infrastructure. She has been an integral partner with board and community members to ensure the mission and vision are met. Sharonda’s work in the community both professionally and personally have allowed her to create curriculum and strategic initiatives focused on increasing racial and socioeconomic education.

Sharonda currently serves on the Executive Team as Director of Education and Outreach at Ozone House overseeing the agency’s community outreach and education initiatives. Being a current Board Member of the Young NonProfit Professionals Network has further expanded and showcased her passion for providing support and mentorship to young professionals.

Sharonda has earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in African American Studies. When she is not inspiring others you’ll find her in the boxing ring and spending time with family and friends.

Testimonials

Sharonda Simmons has been an invaluable resource and guide to me throughout my career. I first turned to Sharonda to help me edit my resume and application essays when I decided to change career fields a few years ago. Since then, I have continued enlisting her career counseling services with each advancement I make professionally. Sharonda has helped me decipher my personal and professional goals and she has encouraged my overall growth with her relatable and insightful approach to coaching. I am also grateful she has a podcast with weekly words of reflection and encouragement that also motivates me to strive for the things that will fulfill me in life.

-Renee B.

Sharonda is invaluable when it comes to reliable guidance, mentorship and advice in both the professional and personal realm. She is approachable, empathetic and a kind and engaged listener that cares deeply about building intentional and sustained relationships with others. Sharonda listens without judgement and takes the information that she has heard/gathered to conceptualize multiple pathways that can support you in coming to the best conclusion/decision for yourself. She does not push her own agenda but instead helps you identify what you need to come to your own decisions and best practices. Sharonda is an optimistic and upward thinker, leaving mentees and colleagues with tangible action steps that seem realistic and reachable. She is knowledgeable in providing career and personal advice, offering feedback, providing support in conflict management and resolution as well as various other crisis management skills.

- Kelsey C.S

Sharonda is great at providing succinct yet comprehensive answers to my professional questions. I can bring difficult situations to her and she always offers perspective, support, and actionable steps that are simple to apply.

- Ashley P.

On several occasions, Sharonda and I would have various conversations about my experiences of being in management while working for a non-profit organization. In each conversation, she would not only empathize but also give helpful insights on managing work-life balance. Her experience in various organizations makes her a great asset as she is able to provide different perspectives that are able to guide me in being able to see the big picture. I leave our conversations with a fresh plan of action that gives me

- Ronisa C.